The Vance County Genealogical Society spent more than three years collecting and soliciting entries for the book. Judy Stainback and Mark Pace co-chaired production of the book. Included are stories of the county’s townships, military veterans and agricultural traditions as well as more than 800 entries related to family histories. In editing the contributions for spelling and length, Pace said, “We tried to preserve the flavor of the family stories.”

The book is available at Ellington’s Hair Trends at 121 Rose Avenue in Henderson. For information, call (252) 492-3051. The cost is $70, plus $9.50 for shipping if it is to be mailed.
• “Star of the South: The Corbitt Truck Company Story,” by Dick Callaway, Walter Turner and Charles Wadelington, describes a major Henderson industry during the first half of the 20th century.

The book can be ordered from the Corbitt Preservation Association, P.O. Box 74, Henderson, NC 27536. The cost is $20 plus $1.35 sales tax for North Carolina residents and $6 shipping and handling. The book is also available locally at the Brass Shoppe, 240 West Montgomery Street; Ellington’s Hair Trends; Bullock’s Engravers, 1630 Parham Street; Miss Lou’s Quilting Studio, 4733 Raleigh Road; Vance County Tourism office, 946-T West Andrews Avenue; and the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce, 414 South Garnett Street.

• “Upon These Steps” is the story of the Reavis family, focusing on two brothers who served in the North Carolina 23rd Regiment during the Civil War. It was written by Henderson native David Reavis and is available at the Brasse Shoppe; Interiors & Gifts Too, 133 South Garnett Street; the Granville County Museum; and Kittrell Grocery Store, 1356 U.S. Route 1 in Kittrell. It can also be ordered from the publisher at www.createspace.com/4068699. The cost is $12.95 plus shipping and handling.

These books are not your typical stocking stuffers. But they’ll enhance any coffee table while offering insights into the rich history of Vance County.